President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reflected on the significant impact of the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, on his presidency and his political party. During his final State of the Nation Address to Parliament in Accra on Friday, January 3, 2025, the President acknowledged that the battle against galamsey had considerable political consequences.
He stated, “The fight against galamsey led to the loss of several parliamentary seats by my party in the 2020 elections, which ultimately influenced the composition of the eighth Parliament. This, in turn, affected the implementation of my policy agenda and had a significant impact on my second term as President.”
Despite the challenges, President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about the renewed support for the government’s anti-galamsey initiatives, especially as the 2024 elections draw nearer. He emphasized the importance of continued efforts to combat illegal mining and safeguard the nation’s natural resources.
“I welcome the many loud converts to the fight against Galamsey that suddenly appeared in the run up to the 2024 elections and I pray that more and more of us get to embrace the need for the protection of our lands and waterbodies,” he remarked. He emphasised the importance of responsible mineral extraction for the benefit of future generations.
“We owe it to future generations of Ghanaians to extract our minerals in a manner that protects our lands and waterbodies,” President Akufo-Addo urged.
By: Abigail Arthur
